Eddie Howe has issued a challenge to Newcastle’s hierarchy to continue showing him full support in order to keep him away from the vacant England job.
England are looking for the next manager after Gareth Southgate stepped down from the post after eight years at the helm.
Southgate led England to back-to-back European Championship finals and has been widely praised for turning around the public perception of the national side.
England are next in action in September in the UEFA Nations League, giving the FA a small window to bring in a replacement for Southgate.
Eddie Howe is currently happy at Newcastle
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There was always an expectation that Southgate would leave his post as England manager regardless of what happened at the Euros, suggesting the FA would have been preparing for his departure.
A host of names have already been linked with the vacancy with Howe seen as one of the frontrunners.
The 46-year-old has long been tipped as a future England manager, but he’s currently in charge at St James’ Park with the club looking to break back into the top four and begin challenging for silverware.
Howe is very much on board with the club’s direction and has made it clear he remains committed to the club.
However, that commitment is seemingly only in place if Newcastle are able to offer him the same support.
“For me being very, very proud to be Newcastle manager, this is all about Newcastle,” said the 46-year-old.
“It’s not about England. So, as long as I am happy, feel supported, feel free to work in the way that I want to work, I have not thought of anything else other than Newcastle.
“I absolutely love the club. I love the supporters. I love where I am at in my career.”
Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager
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When asked directly whether he would turn down an approach from England, Howe gave little away.
“That is absolutely someone else’s conversation, not mine,” he said.
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Graham Potter is also being linked
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“To speak about something else while manager of Newcastle is wrong.”
He added: “As long as I feel supported by the football club and free to work in the way that I want to work. That’s the crucial thing.”